The Rhyl FC names new coach

The Rhyl FC, of the Welsh Premier League, the top category of Welsh football, has appointed a 24-year-old as the new coach for the rest of the season.

Niall McGuinness, the youngest professional football coach in the United Kingdom, sat on the bench for the first time last weekend with the 'Lilywhites', who are fighting to maintain their category in the Welsh Premier League, in the match against the bottom club, Haverfordwest (1-1).

The young man, who recently obtained the 'UEFA/FAW Youth A' license, is accompanied in the coaching staff of Rhyl FC by his father, Laurie, who will act as the second coach and assistant.

"If the opportunity has come a little early for me? Yes, but I have taken advantage of it and I am going to make the most of it. I am a Rhyl boy, so having this job is a dream", said Niall, in statements published on Tuesday by the British chain BBC.

"I am a big fan of Manchester United, so Sir Alex Ferguson is someone I respect a lot. But for a young coach like me, José Mourinho is undoubtedly my biggest inspiration", he recounted.

"He (Mourinho) was not a professional player and focused on coaching from a very young age. And that's why he has achieved everything he has achieved: the Champions League and league titles with teams like Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan. It's incredible", he added.

Rhyl FC, which is penultimate in the Welsh First Division, with only three victories in 25 games this season, has not won since last October.

"It's a pleasure to work with him", Niall said when asked about having his father as his assistant. "In football, it is important to trust and respect, and we have that. In addition, he has experience, knowledge, and passion for this sport", he said.

Laurie McGuinness was part of the coaching staff of Rhyl FC when they achieved the treble in the 2003/2004 season, winning the League, the Welsh Cup, and the League Cup.

"We support each other and share ideas. It means a lot to us to be there, and I can guarantee that there will be no one who fights harder than the two of us for this team", declared the young coach.